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The Grinnell Magazine Redesigned

Michele Regenold ’89

At first glance, this issue of The Grinnell Magazine looks very different — intentionally so. Some of the feedback from last spring’s alumni communications survey suggested that we reduce the magazine’s trim size and use less fancy paper, so we did. The trim size is an industry standard 8 inches by 10.5 inches. The uncoated paper stock uses the same amount of recycled postconsumer waste — 10 percent — as the glossier paper did and costs about the same.

Larissa Stalcup, our staff graphic designer and the magazine’s new art director, created the design using the fonts and colors recommended by Crane MetaMarketing, the firm the College hired to help craft its institutional identity.

In terms of content, we’ve added a few new departments — one of which is written by readers. “Prompted” will present a different writing prompt and a deadline in each issue. All writers whose work is selected for publication will receive a T-shirt with a fun image designed by Kevin Cannon ’02.

Another new department is this one, “Strategy Session.” In future issues, President Raynard S. Kington and members of his senior staff will write this column to help explain Grinnell’s vision and strategy across all areas of campus.

Some of the content changes are modifications to existing sections. For example, “In Memoriam” now includes short obituaries whenever possible rather than bare facts.

What hasn’t changed is our interest in telling compelling stories about Grinnellians from all walks of life.

Brian Vicente ’99 was at the forefront of Colorado’s legalization of marijuana for adult recreational use. He explains how his work came about in a Q&A with staff writer Denton Ketels.

Ketels also tells the story of Michael Kahn ’74, who’s mentored many Grinnell College interns at TIAA-CREF since 2000.

Last spring I had the privilege of interviewing a campus legend — Georgia Dentel, the woman who brought Bruce Springsteen to campus, among many others.

We are always looking for compelling story ideas — quirky or straightforward, serious or funny. Please send your ideas as well as your feedback on this new design to magazine[at]grinnell[dot]edu.